NEWS

Gionta returns tonight vs. Sens

Stephen Gionta will return to the New Jersey Devils' lineup Wednesday after missing the past 11 games with a sprained right ankle.

Gionta skated as the center on the fourth line between Steve Bernier and Cam Janssen during the Devils' morning skate at Prudential Center in advance of their game against the Ottawa Senators. He has two assists and is a minus-5 in 21 games this season.

Janssen is in the lineup despite leaving practice early Tuesday with an apparent right leg injury.

Martin Brodeur will start for the Devils after making 33 saves in a 3-0 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. That performance came on the heels of Brodeur allowing five goals in a 5-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 10.

Ottawa goalie Robin Lehner will start opposite Brodeur. Lehner is making his third consecutive start and is coming off a 30-save performance in a 3-2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

Senators coach Paul MacLean is not making any lineup changes from the game against St. Louis, meaning defenseman Marc Methot, who is able to return from his three-game absence because of the flu, will be a healthy scratch.